The Tata Trusts have approved a possible third term for N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, bypassing the group’s traditional retirement policy, according to The Economic Times. Chandrasekaran will turn 65 when his current term concludes in February 2027.
Tata executives typically retire from executive roles at 65, though they may serve in non-executive capacities until 70. The Tata Trusts’ decision will now be formally reviewed by Tata Sons to approve a potential third term for Chandrasekaran starting in 2027, which would be the first instance of a Tata executive remaining in a full executive role beyond the usual retirement age.
The recommendation to extend Chandrasekaran’s term was put forward by Noel Tata and Venu Srinivasan at the Tata Trusts’ meeting on September 11, highlighting the need for leadership continuity amid the group’s ongoing business transformations. The proposal was reportedly approved unanimously.
Under Tata Group rules, new terms are confirmed a year before the current term ends. With the Tata Trusts holding a 66% stake in Tata Sons, their approval effectively determines the outcome. The extension also comes amid internal discussions about whether Tata Sons should continue as a privately held company.
A longtime TCS veteran, Chandrasekaran joined the Tata Sons board in October 2016 and assumed the role of chairman in January 2017. During his leadership, the Tata Group nearly doubled its revenue and tripled both its net profit and market capitalization over five years. Tata Sons’ net worth has grown significantly under his tenure, rising from ₹43,252 crore in 2018 to ₹1.49 lakh crore today.
